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But in my mind it is inextricably bound to a pretty girl called Emily who appeared at my school when I was 15, in possession of a confidence and flair I had never before witnessed - and a shiny, olive-green bomber jacket with orange lining to boot. I had a rule - one of many - that I could never do anything so blatantly uncool as copy something I'd seen on someone else. So, though I longed for one, I wouldn't allow myself a jacket like this.

A gap of two decades (and some) seemed enough time to avoid accusations of fashion plagiarism, and recently I've been wearing a style in black tweed with contrast sleeves from Comptoir des Cotonniers. It's hardly official US Airforce kit, but even so there's something about a bomber that makes you feel a bit tough. It's as if you've suddenly put on muscle. It's not the roaring rebel of a garment that the biker jacket is, but it has got attitude.

That was the case, at least, until this season got hold of the action hero's wardrobe essential. The predominant mood of the new bomber jackets is brash, fun, a bit kitsch. Prada's come embellished with jewels, Henry Holland's is loud and proud in tartan, and Topshop has a rather eye-watering selection in baroque, tropical and shiny leopard prints - name your trend, Topshop has a bomber in it.

One of these will look good with slim-fit trousers - Henry Holland has a matching pair that any good Mod girl would have sold her granny for. Or you could make like the young Vanessa Paradis and team a black shiny one with a stretchy short dress. Or do as Prada did and use a bomber to add edge to a feminine skirt.

Next season bombers will stick around, albeit in even posher guise. Mulberry's will come in padded wool in rich, earthy tones, and Roksanda Ilincic has done a petrol-blue astrakhan style. Fancy! I've got my eye on a Michael van der Ham beaded black number that would look great layered over something long and floaty. Tough guy it ain't. Sorry, Steve.